Residents living near to West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, are to be consulted on proposals that would, if implemented, restrict parking on nearby streets during weekdays.

The one-month consultation, which is to end on Friday, September 27, will ask residents whether or not they support the introduction of a parking ban between noon and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

This would discourage people who work and visit the hospital from leaving vehicles there all day - but still allow limited parking for visitors and outpatients.

Councillor Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads and transport, said: “There has been growing concern about the level of on street parking in the residential areas around West Suffolk Hospital.”

He said that county councillor Sarah Stamp and borough councillor Patrick Chung have been working with the hospital to try and address some of the concerns, but issues remain.

He added: “We don’t expect these proposals to eliminate all on street parking associated with the hospital. But we do believe they will significantly reduce it, whilst allowing reasonable access for residents, their visitors those people going into the hospital for short periods.

“At this stage these are just proposals, and we’d very much like to hear from as many people as possible before we make any final decisions.”

In addition to the consultation questionnaire, which will be delivered to homes around the hospital early next week, a drop in session at Southgate Community Centre will be held on Wednesday, September 18, between 1pm and 7pm.

The consultation has been made necessary because of long-standing issues of non-residents using the streets around West Suffolk to park during the day.

Residents challenged the county council to find a solution to the problem - which is now being put out for public comment.

If agreed, the restrictions would apply to all vehicles - including those owned by residents, their visitors and tradespeople.

Mrs Stamp said: “Complaints about inconsiderate parking by hospital staff on residential streets is the issue I receive most correspondence on. This consultation is about finding the best possible solution to a complex problem and I would encourage as many residents as possible to have their say to ensure that we get it right.”